How do you pray? The way I pray changes often. Sometimes it’s intentional, quiet, in front of a candle even. At other times, it’s simply sitting...
Lent
Explore U.S. Catholic coverage of Lent, connecting traditional practices with modern life, justice, and spiritual renewal.
No one has asked me, but I am ready with a jim-dandy slogan for promoting good books: Don’t read spiritual books during Lent. Not only will this slogan put...
The analogy of Lent as a desert has never worked for me. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, and except for a year spent in Chicago, I’ve lived here my whole...
Ash Wednesday has become a very popular feast day, perhaps more important to some people than Holy Days of Obligation. At Marquette University, where I teach...
On January 21st of this year, the Vatican announced a change to the Roman Missal, per the request of Pope Francis, that women would no longer officially be...
Lent is like committing to a long run. We know it will make us healthier and stronger; we know it’s good for our heart. We believe that at the finish...
This Lent I decided to borrow from 12-step programs and do a “searching and fearless moral inventory.” Every year I look forward to the solemnity of Lent with...
It was Mom’s birthday and I was 12 years old. I made her a card that said “I love you mom!” and when I gave it to her I said, “Thank you for being my mom and...
Each year on Good Friday we listen to the account of the events surrounding Jesus’ death: the trial, the boisterous crowd, the journey to Golgotha. The...
Have you ever wondered why we don’t wash feet in church every Sunday? It’s something I think about every Holy Thursday, when at my parish the bowls and...
